On Tuesday 23rd November, Year 12 and 13 English Literature students at Woodford County High School for Girls cooperated to bring the play ‘Maryland’ to life through a reading of it. After being offered the opportunity 2 weeks prior, A Level students hurried to grasp onto this opportunity, which turned out to be noteworthily rewarding. The event took place after school on the day, where a plethora of the cast’s peers from the two cohorts attended, as well as a proportion of the English staff. An abundance of emotions were shared in the room, and all present left feeling rather moved by the reading and discussion that was carried out after it.  

‘Maryland’, a play written by Lucy Kirkwood (a Woodford County alumna), was completed within a time period of just 2 days. In itself, the haste in which the play was written conveys the buildup of resent and Kirkwood’s need to be an advocate for the issue. Not only this, it also showcases the desperate need for reform within a society where abuse performed by men is still ‘shoved under the rug’. The dramatic text surrounds the horrors that females face on a day-to-day basis, and the tragic events resulted by sexual assault. It criticises the unjust system and how it affects the results of cases, inspired by the lamentable story of Sarah Everard’s rape and murder. On top of this, the playwright was triggered by the death of Sabina Nessa. Ultimately, it led her to completing a task that has left the nation in complete and utter awe.  

After having completed only 1 rehearsal and read-through of the moving play, it was performed successfully and everyone was astonished – to say the least! Unfortunately, the playwright was unavailable and could not make an appearance at the reading. Although, Kirkwood did leave a heart-felt message for the cast: “Dear Woodford students, I am so gutted I can’t be there on Tuesday to see you perform Maryland, it meant so much to me to hear that you were doing it. I will be thinking of you all and the wonderful thing you are doing tomorrow when I am trying to persuade my toddler to eat her macaroni cheese. I’m sure you know exactly what you are doing but if I had to offer one piece of advice about the play it’s this: don’t be afraid to be fast and don’t be afraid to be funny – in life in general of course, but especially when performing this piece. Just because it is about the ways women are victims doesn’t mean we have to perform pain and fragility. The play is not about the horror of dreadful things happening to women and girls but about the horror that we have normalised that. It’s about asking an audience to recognise the horror too and the best way to do that is to surprise them with your refusal to accept that victimhood and your ability to make them laugh. I have no doubt you will be marvellous. Break a leg, with love, Lucy K”.  

Maliha, Year 12, played Mary 2 in the reading and she commented: “I enjoyed being a part of the Maryland script reading very much, the play was incredibly powerful and so well-written. It was a great opportunity, and I am very glad I participated in it”.  

Members of the English staff at Woodford County who went to watch the memorable script-in-hand reading described it as “perfectly executed” by the cast. Following up the reading, a discussion took place which entailed the sharing of thoughtful ideas on behalf of both the students and the teachers. All opinions were welcomed, and varying interpretations of individual lines in the play were offered. One of the matters considered was what we can do to enforce change. The students respectfully added on to each other's comments, and it was remarked that as women, we should bring an end to our unconscious accepting of the situation. For example, things such as accepting to not be outside during the dark hours because of the possible dangers should be eradicated. Certainly, it is easier said than done. However, as a collective, we must persist in educating those around us in order to establish a society where all people feel safe and secure. No matter their gender, race or any social constructs.  

Ms Swann, an English teacher at the grammar school, said “Lucy Kirkwood’s play, ‘Maryland’, captures the frustration and sadness following the violent deaths of women in the UK over the last two years.  The script-in-hand reading at Woodford, was a very powerful and cathartic experience and the discussion that followed open and honest.  Having these discussions as a community is essential in the fight for change that we all need to be a part of”. 

Several days later, the performance is still alluded to in English Literature lessons, reflecting the vast impact it had upon those who were in attendance. It is thanks to Ms Swann for arranging the event that the sixth formers will reminisce forever. Be curious, read more and take advantage of the thrilling opportunities ahead of you.